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Checkbook.io Integration

Required Permission
Manage Company Settings - You must have the Manage Company Settings permission to access this setting.

Process payments through Readybuild using digital checks and ACH transfers. The Checkbook.io integration enables both vendor payments and customer invoice collection.

Overview​

The Checkbook.io integration provides:

  • Customer invoice payments - Allow clients to pay invoices online via the Client Portal
  • Digital check payments to vendors and subcontractors
  • ACH bank transfers for faster payments
  • Paperless payment processing eliminating physical checks
tip

Checkbook.io is the recommended way to accept online payments from customers. Payments are automatically recorded in Readybuild when customers pay through the Client Portal.

Alternatively, you can configure a Custom Payment URL to redirect customers to your own payment system, but payments will not sync automatically.

Prerequisites​

Before setting up the integration, ensure you have:

  • An active Checkbook.io account
  • Your Checkbook.io API keys (publishable key and secret key)
  • Administrator access in Readybuild
  • Bank account connected in Checkbook.io

Setup Instructions​

Step 1: Create a Checkbook.io Account​

If you don't have an account:

  1. Visit checkbook.io
  2. Sign up for a business account
  3. Complete the verification process
  4. Connect your bank account

Step 2: Get Your API Keys​

  1. Log into your Checkbook.io account
  2. Go to Settings > API Keys
  3. Generate a new API key — Checkbook.io will provide two keys:
    • Publishable Key (e.g., 65a216e44b7a4dd5bce89931dfda3f4b)
    • Secret Key (e.g., qrD4asIu0eSJJkBGPoa5MpxH69pUDw)
  4. Keep both keys secure—you'll need them in the next step

Step 3: Configure in Readybuild​

  1. Go to Settings > Data & Automation > Integrations in Readybuild
  2. Find Checkbook.io in the list
  3. Click Configure
  4. Enter your API key in the format Publishable Key:Secret Key — copy your publishable key, type a colon (:), then paste your secret key. For example: 65a216e44b7a4dd5bce89931dfda3f4b:qrD4asIu0eSJJkBGPoa5MpxH69pUDw
  5. Click Save API Key

Step 4: Enable Payment Features​

After connecting, enable the payment features you need:

  1. Enable Invoice Payments: Allow customers to pay invoices online through the Client Portal
  2. Enable Vendor Payments: Allow paying vendors via digital checks

Toggle each option on or off based on your needs.

How Payments Work​

Sending a Vendor Payment​

  1. Navigate to a vendor invoice or bill in Readybuild
  2. Select Pay with Checkbook.io
  3. Verify the payment details (amount, recipient)
  4. Confirm the payment
  5. Checkbook.io processes and sends the payment

Payment Methods​

Checkbook.io supports multiple payment delivery methods:

MethodDescriptionSpeed
Digital CheckElectronic check sent via email1-3 business days
ACH TransferDirect bank-to-bank transfer2-4 business days
Physical CheckPrinted and mailed check5-7 business days

Payment Status​

Track payment status in Readybuild:

  • Pending: Payment initiated, awaiting processing
  • Sent: Payment sent to recipient
  • Cleared: Funds transferred successfully
  • Failed: Payment could not be processed

Configuration Options​

Payment Options​

After connecting, configure these settings:

Enable Invoice Payments​

When enabled:

  • Customers can pay invoices online through the Client Portal
  • A Pay button appears on pending invoices in the portal
  • Payment status automatically syncs back to Readybuild
  • Invoices are marked as paid when payment is received

Enable Vendor Payments​

When enabled:

  • Pay vendors with digital checks
  • Process payments directly from Readybuild
  • Track payment history by vendor

Updating Your API Key​

If you need to update your API key:

  1. Go to Settings > Data & Automation > Integrations > Checkbook.io
  2. Click Update API Key
  3. Enter your new key in the format Publishable Key:Secret Key (see Step 2 above)
  4. Click Save API Key

Transaction Limits​

New Checkbook.io accounts have initial transaction limits for both sending and receiving payments. These limits are set by Checkbook.io as part of their verification process.

If you need to send or receive payments larger than your current limits allow, contact Checkbook.io directly to request a limit increase. They will review your account history and may require additional verification.

To check your current limits or request an increase:

  1. Log into your Checkbook.io account
  2. Go to Settings or Account
  3. Look for transaction limits or account limits
  4. Contact Checkbook.io support to request higher limits

Managing Payments​

Viewing Payment History​

Payment history is available in:

  • Checkbook.io dashboard: Full transaction details
  • Readybuild billing: Linked payment records

Canceling a Payment​

To cancel a pending payment:

  1. Check if the payment status is still "Pending"
  2. If pending, cancel through Checkbook.io dashboard
  3. Update the record in Readybuild if needed

Note: Once a payment is sent, it cannot be canceled through Readybuild.

Troubleshooting​

API Key Errors​

Problem: "Invalid API key" or connection failed

Solution:

  1. Verify your key is in the correct format: Publishable Key:Secret Key (two keys separated by a colon)
  2. Make sure you copied both the publishable key and the secret key completely
  3. Check for extra spaces before, after, or around the colon
  4. Generate a new API key in Checkbook.io if needed

Payment Failed​

Problem: Payment shows as failed

Solution:

  1. Check your Checkbook.io account for specific error details
  2. Verify sufficient funds in your connected bank account
  3. Confirm the recipient's information is correct
  4. Contact Checkbook.io support for transaction-specific issues

Payments Not Processing​

Problem: Payments stuck in pending

Solution:

  1. Verify your Checkbook.io account is fully verified
  2. Check for any holds on your account
  3. Review Checkbook.io for required actions
  4. Contact Checkbook.io support if issues persist

Vendor Can't Receive Payment​

Problem: Vendor reports not receiving payment

Solution:

  1. Confirm the recipient email or bank details are correct
  2. Check if the payment is showing as sent in Checkbook.io
  3. Have the vendor check their spam folder for digital checks
  4. Verify the payment hasn't been returned

Security​

API Key Security​

  • Store your API key securely
  • Never share it publicly or in unsecured communications
  • Readybuild encrypts your API key in storage
  • Regenerate the key if you suspect it's compromised

Payment Security​

  • Checkbook.io uses bank-level encryption
  • All transactions are logged and auditable
  • Multi-factor authentication available on Checkbook.io

Disconnecting the Integration​

To disconnect Checkbook.io:

  1. Go to Settings > Data & Automation > Integrations > Checkbook.io
  2. Click Disconnect
  3. Confirm when prompted

What happens after disconnecting:

  • You can no longer process payments through Readybuild
  • Existing payments in Checkbook.io are unaffected
  • Historical payment records remain in Readybuild
  • You can reconnect at any time with a new API key

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: Does Checkbook.io charge fees?

A: Yes, Checkbook.io has per-transaction fees. Review their pricing at checkbook.io/pricing.

Q: Can I use this for customer payments (not just vendors)?

A: Enable "Invoice Payments" to allow customers to pay you through Checkbook.io.

Q: What if my vendor doesn't have Checkbook.io?

A: Vendors don't need a Checkbook.io account. They receive payments via email (digital check) or ACH.

Q: How do I reconcile payments with my accounting system?

A: Export payment data from Checkbook.io or use their integrations with accounting software. Readybuild records can be matched manually.

Q: What happens if a check is lost or not cashed?

A: Digital checks expire after a set period. Contact Checkbook.io to void and reissue if needed.